The transfer rates of USB 2.0 are enough for most devices today, but USB 3.0 will become useful as people increasingly transfer multimedia content such as high-definition video.

But USB 3.0 offers more than faster speed. The specification adds better power-management features for charging devices and saving power. Connected USB 3.0 devices will go into virtual sleep mode if not being used.

The new standard is also backwards-compatible, so USB 3.0 devices will work with USB 2.0 connections. However, users must have a USB 3.0 controller card on their PC to get the fast speed offered by devices like Freecom's new hard drive. Freecom is selling USB 3.0 controller cards for desktops for €25.95 and cards for notebooks at €29.95.